Potential Mavs Draft Targets: The Second Round

On this beautiful morning of draft day, it's time for one final look at some possible future Dallas Mavericks.  As the first round pick has been roundly discussed on this site, I figured I would take a look at some of the possible second-rounders that the Mavs might pursue with their 57th pick.  The second round isn't sexy, but it has given birth to the likes of Marcus Thornton, DeJuan Blair, Jonas Jerebko, and Landry Fields in the last two years, and I'm sure we'd love to pick up a player of that quality.  Of course, the second round (and particularly the second half of it) is somewhat of a crap shoot, so I've decided to profile a handful of players who may be around at the end of the draft and show some potential. 

Roster needs are not as important when it comes to second-rounders, since it's rare for someone picked at the number 57 spot to fight for a starting role early in his career.  However, with precious few open roster spots in 2011-2012 and no summer league for players to demonstrate their skills against lesser competition, the Mavs' second round pick will need to be impressive to be on the roster next year.

That being said, lets look at four of the players who I could see the Mavs selecting at number 57:

Bojan Bogdanovic

A 6-7, 195-pound guard-forward from Croatia with a relatively versatile offensive repertoire.  Can shoot out to the NBA 3-point line fairly effectively and can attack the rim with some success.  Doesn't quite stand out in any offensive category or in athletic ability, though his mid-range game is fairly dangerous.  May not be quick enough to defend SGs or SFs in the NBA.  Once thought to be a first-round candidate though, until he signed with Fenerbache Istanbul.  Most likely will be off the board before pick #57.

Rick Jackson

A 6-9, 240-pound PF/C senior from Syracuse.  He's a high-energy player who averaged a double-double for the Orange.  Scored mostly in the post, though he doesn't demonstrate moves that look to translate well to the NBA level.  With a 7'1" wingspan, he blocked an impressive 2.5 shots per game last year.  He played the zone at Syracuse, which limited his opportunities to defend one-on-one in the post.  A bit of a late bloomer, as he only developed into a major player after dropping 30 pounds for his senior year.  Overall, he projects to be a defense-and-rebounds minded team player with limited offensive ability.  If he continues to develop his game, he could be a nice role/hustle player to stash on a roster.

Xavi Rabaseda

A 6-6, 190-pound shooting guard currently playing for Regal FC Barcelona.  Has shown flashes of strong talent, but tailed off toward the end of the year.  Capable of attacking the rim or shooting from the 3, but still needs development in both areas.  Not likely to develop much of a mid-range game.  He's an excellent ball-handler and passer with good decision-making.  Too light to defend at the NBA level, though he is quite athletic enough to move with most SGs.  Definitely a stash-and-wait prospect but one who may well turn into an NBA player down the road.

Greg Smith

A 6-10, 250-pound PF/C sophomore from Fresno State.  Smith's physical attributes and athleticism are reminiscent of a first rounder.  He has good size and a 7'3" wingspan, as well as gigantic, soft hands that allow him to snatch passes out of the air one-handed.  Scores mostly around the basket, with multiple developing post moves and an ability to finish in the paint.  He's a decent rebounder and defender, though he occasionally lapses into laziness on defense.  Smith possesses a great NBA body and natural talent, but has yet to put that together into an impressive season, even at a lower-key school like Fresno.  If a team can stash Smith on their roster and coach him to his full potential, they could get a late-round steal with him.